The genus Dolichosaccus (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) from amphibians and reptiles in New Zealand, with a description of Dolichosaccus (Lecithopyge) leiolopismae n. sp.

Abstract

Two species of Dolichosaccus occur in New Zealand. Dolichosaccus (Lecithopyge) novae-zealandiae Prudhoe, 1970 was described from frogs of the endemic genus Leiopelma. An additional six specimens, one of which is figured, were obtained from preserved frogs. Dolichosaccus (Lecithopyge) leiolopismae n. sp. was described from scincid lizards of the genus Leiolopisma and from the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). Information on variability in the new species was presented and discussed. Morphological criteria for distinguishing between species in Dolichosaccus were few and unreliable. The presence of D. leiolopismae in reptiles on Stephens Island, to which no exotic reptiles or amphibians have been introduced, indicated that the species is probably endemic to New Zealand.

Keywords:

• Digenea
• Dolichosaccus
• frogs
• Leiolopisma
• Leiopelma
• lizards
• parasites
• Sphenodon
• tuatara